By Charles Maduka, Azeezat Olatunde, Testimony Olalekan, and Adebisi Bolarinwa
Ololade Ayelabola, a recent graduate of the University of Lagos, is on a mission to challenge the stereotypes in the fashion and modelling industry by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model from September 29 to October 3, 2024.
In an interview with UNILAG Sun on September 5, the dark-complexioned 5 ft 10 beauty queen expressed her dissatisfaction with the rigid standards in modelling, which often exclude other talented individuals from pursuing their dreams.
“I realized that pageantry, fashion, and modelling have been kind of stereotyped such that, we have specifics for modelling, fashions, and pageantry. But beauty is universal. Fashion is universal. Beauty knows no boundaries and fashion is universal, such that every body type and structure is defined as beauty.”
But not many others share this opinion. Ololade narrated how she was rejected from two national fashion shows because of her height.
“I was told that I am short and couldn’t be a part of the event. All my hard work and talent couldn’t get me in because I am not as tall as they want me to be.”
This rejection fuelled her drive to inspire others who have faced similar setbacks. Miss Ololade seeks to promote body positivity by challenging the industry’s standards.
“It doesn’t matter what standard people have raised; you can get there, and nothing should stop you from attaining where you want to get to. That is the inspiration behind this record attempt. I want to change the fashion standard, stereotypes, and requirements,” she added.
Having previously won titles like Miss Amina 2019, Face of Akoka 2019, Unique Queen 2019, and Most Beautiful Campus Queen 2021, Ololade has her eyes on the highest prize: writing her name in the record books as the individual who walked the longest distance on a catwalk by a model.
Born into a Christian family from Ekiti state, Ololade Ayelabola has enjoyed lots of support from them and the University of Lagos, where she holds a BSc Degree in computer science.
“It is a privilege to be a graduate of a university that not only gives excellent educational value but also supports students in different career paths that they choose,” she said excitedly.
With over seven years of experience in the modelling industry, Ololade is no longer a stranger to the runway. Her achievements and experiences influenced her decision to attempt this world record. The event is set to commence on September 29, 2024, and last till October 3, 2024, featuring loads of other attractive models from all over Nigeria. Her vision is to deliver a rich cultural and historical fashion event.
“I am creating a stage where we will be having albino models, vitiligo models, plus-sized models, and tribal marks models. This will inspire people to know that what they look like doesn’t matter nor should the fashion standards limit them,” she explained further.
The 96-hour event will also exhibit works of designers with creative, innovative, and unique ideas, including upcoming and established designers. Their designs will be showcased by Ololade and other models.
According to Ololade, the attempt will celebrate Nigeria’s independence with a historical moment involving beauty queens wearing and displaying Nigerian cultural outfits from 1960 down to 2024, while promoting local dishes like Ekuru and Eko, Suya and Garri, Tuwo Shinkafa, among others.
*How it all started*
Ololade’s passion for fashion started early; from braiding her hair and styling her outfits to watching pageant shows with her mom, these experiences laid the foundation for her modelling career. She began watching the Guinness World Records early on, and the event that first sparked her interest was Kaffy’s dance record. As a former dancer herself, Ololade admired Kaffy’s accomplishments, particularly her ability to break her record twice, which inspired Ololade to one day attempt breaking a record herself.
Coming from the world of pageantry, fashion, and modeling, Ololade envisions creating a platform where all body types—short or tall, plus-sized, with vitiligo, or albino—can showcase their talents and challenge the conventional standards of the modelling industry.
In her words, “Listen, you can be unstoppable. It doesn’t matter what people are saying. It depends on what you’re saying and what you can offer.”
*Challenges*
Ololade identified sponsorship and physical exhaustion as the obstacles she consistently battles in her record attempt. However, she says her determination and support from friends and family keep her going.
“There are times that I get exhausted and decide that I won’t attempt to break the record again but I am glad I try to reawaken my determination and talk myself out of it. I also have supportive friends who allow me to unbottle my emotions and rant. They encourage me and already call me ‘Record Breaker,’” she shared.
Despite starting her training in June, Ololade has since intensified her training to increase her flexibility, stamina, and energy. She revealed that she trains alongside athletes preparing for the international competitions, underscoring the rigorous process. Additionally, she emphasized the financial crisis of the project and the difficulty of convincing companies to invest in her goals.
“It’s a whole lot of money, so the challenge is getting people and big companies to invest their resources and want to be a part of my this,” she said.
Ololade mentioned that her team is in talks with potential sponsors to support this project. She also expressed her profound gratitude to the University of Lagos for its unwavering support in bringing this project to life. She specifically thanked the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Center and its director, Prof. Sunday Adebisi, for believing in her and providing her with the platform to demonstrate her talents.
Her parting words: “To everyone who is aspiring to break a record or to attempt something or to push in their career, it doesn’t even have to be a big plan, whatsoever it is, my advice to you or what I have to say to you is to start making plans and go for it. You’ve got it; you can do it.”
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